Poll of Virginians shows racial divide, MLK dream distant to many

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – A Quinnipiac University poll is shedding light on how Virginians view the ideals of civil rights pioneer Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and how far we’ve come since his famous speech on Aug. 28, 1963.

Over 1,500 Virginians were asked if they believe they live in a nation where people are mainly judged by the color of their skin or mainly by the color of their character.

Overall it’s split: 45% believe by color, 44% by character.

By race, the numbers are far apart.

Judged by color? A majority 71% of African-Americans think so.

Judged by character? Only 19% believe that.

Numbers that show whites and blacks may be far apart in believing Dr. King’s dream.

Jouelle Banks was waiting for a bus on the corner of 9th and Broad Street in downtown Richmond this morning. She remembers when, as a young girl, she would only be allowed to ride in the back of the bus. She believes Dr. King would be happy.

“When we grew up, we didn’t have things like our children and grandchildren”, says Banks. “Things are much, much better.”